Alton Towers Resort | Thrills and action on the edge of the Peak District

Alton Towers

Alton Towers, on the edge of the Peak District in Staffordshire, surely needs little introduction?! It’s the largest theme park in the UK and covers 910 acres, split across 10 themed areas of action and adventure!

The Rides

Open since 1986, Alton Towers is home to more than 40 rides and attractions, with something to suit guests of all ages, sizes and levels of thrill-seeking.

The rollercoasters are the stars of the show, each with record-breaking elements to thrill and delight those brave enough to ride.

Wicker Man is the first wooden coaster to be built in the UK for over 21 years. Using cutting-edge special effects, the giant Wicker Man effigy at the centre of the ride bursts into flames as you rattle and shake towards and through his chest.

Alton Towers Resort 1 — Alton Towers | Wicker Man (picture credit: https://www.altontowers.com)

The Smiler is the world’s first 14 loop rollercoaster, more than any other ride in the world. Riders loop in a dizzying series of swirls at speeds of 85 km/hr.

TH13TEEN includes the world’s first free-fall drop on a roller coaster, after which riders are hurtled backwards in the dark through a spine-tingling series of twists and turns.

Galactica combines the adrenaline rush of flying – with riders suspended in a prone position – with the feeling of travelling through space.

Nemesis remains a firm favourite, even with the most hardened thrillseekers. Guests hang loose, below the track, as they experience a force of up to 4G on one of the most intense experiences in the world.

Alton Towers Resort 2 — Alton Towers |Nemesis (picture credit: https://www.altontowers.com)

Oblivion includes an exhilarating 180ft vertical drop into a dark tunnel of dry ice, with riders pulling 4.5Gs as they hurtle down. Plus the views from the top are incredible before you drop!

For speed-seekers, the eye-popping Rita catapults riders from 0-100km/hr in just 2.5 seconds. The sheer acceleration leaves you with no time to catch your breath as you’re hurtled through a series of swooping turns and drops.

Family Fun

But smaller guests definitely aren’t overlooked here, with plenty of rides throughout the park to suit children and their families, or just those less enamoured with rollercoasters.

Discover CBeebies Land, a themed area that’s entirely devoted to little ones, where some of the CBeebies favourite programmes are brought to life. The Land includes a large range of rides, indoor and outdoor play areas and a full programme of live entertainment featuring Bing and Flop in Bing’s Picnic, Hey Duggee’s Big Day Out Badge and the Teletubbies Big Band Live Show.

Alton Towers Resort 3 — Alton Towers | CBeebies Land (picture credit: https://www.altontowers.com)

Smaller guests will also enjoy Cloud Cuckoo Land, where they can hop like a frog, saddle up on the quirkiest carousel, or test out their motoring skills at the Cuckoo Cars Driving School!

It’s not just about rides at Alton Towers either. There are plenty of live shows and entertainment, as well as family attractions that will appeal to all. Wander through the Sharkbait Reef Aquarium by SEALIFE, featuring 300 unique species of fish, including sharks, rays and seahorses. Or prepare to be amazed by the Alton Towers Dungeon, where guests journey through five spooky shows, a boat ride and six themed areas. The whole family will be entranced by the dark history of the real Alton Towers in the immersive experience of Hex: The Legend Of The Towers.

Alton Towers Resort 4 — Alton Towers | Hex (picture credit: https://www.altontowers.com)

The Towers

The stunning stately home that’s the centre of Alton Towers is not a fake castle, as is sometimes thought, but a gracious Grade I listed house, with parts dating from the 12th Century. It was originally owned by the Earl of Shrewsbury and the Talbot family, who lived in the house for more than 500 years until 1924.

Alton Towers Resort 5 — Alton Towers (picture credit: https://www.altontowers.com)

The beautifully landscaped gardens are a shady, peaceful oasis away from the action-packed ride areas, which feature charming focal points such as the Chinese Pagoda Fountain, the Swiss Cottage and the Dutch and Italian Gardens, Gothic Prospect Tower and much more.

Alton Towers Resort 6 — Alton Towers | The Gardens (picture credit: https://www.altontowers.com)

Getting Around

Alton Towers covers a huge area and it’s a wonderful place to wander, but there are plenty of fun, fast ways to get around. The Skyride cable cars enable visitors to travel between areas while soaring above the trees. The Alton Towers Monorail shuttles guests from the car parks or on-site hotels to the gates from 9am every day.

Events

Alton Towers hosts a number of events throughout the year. Scarefest in October and November is one of the UK’s biggest Halloween events, with spooks, frights and thrills for everyone. The rides stay open until late to allow guests to enjoy the unique sensation of riding in the dark, and a series of award-winning scare mazes feature live actors and special effects.

In November Alton Towers also stages the UK’s biggest firework display to dazzle and delight guests. The Ultimate Firework Spectacular welcomes families of all ages to enjoy the show-stopping display and enjoy the rides and attractions all day and into the late evening.

Christmas and New Year is a magical time at Alton Towers too, with enchanting Santa Sleepovers at Christmas and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Spectacular.

On Site Facilities

You’ll find everything you need on site here for a great family day out, with restaurants, cafes, shops and rest stations throughout the grounds. And if one day isn’t enough (it isn’t!) there are also a number of themed hotels located within the site for short breaks. Click here for more information.

How do I get to Alton Towers?

Alton Towers is in Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB. It’s located between the M1 and the M6 and is well signposted from both motorways.

Uttoxeter station is the nearest train station to Alton Towers, just 10 miles from the resort.

The X41 bus service is a daily bus service from Stafford and Uttoxeter to Alton Towers, departing Stafford railway station at 9.30am each day, going via Weston and Uttoxeter on the way.

Car Parking at Alton Towers

There is ample car parking available at Alton Towers. Be aware that those who do not have Premium Season Passes will have to pay an additional charge for car parking.